The summer weather was perfect for Kutztown Bicentennial’s Ice Cream Social held on Wednesday evening July 29. Sponsored by Air Products and Chemicals and organized by the Kutztown Woman’s Club, the event was held on the lawns at the Kutztown Area Historical Society. Food-based socials have been popular since the early days of Kutztown, and this event is no exception.
Miss Kutztown Bicentennial Erica Yurvati had the honor of scooping the first dish of ice cream for Lil’ Miss Kutztown Bicentennial Mary Hess. Mary selected mint chocolate chip, a flavor that proved to be the most popular of the evening. Others were chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Faller’s Pretzel sticks, made in Reading, added the salt to the sweet that many people who live in Kutztown crave.
The Kutztown Woman’s Club, along with several spouses, dished up bowl after bowl of ice cream while the community mingled, sat for a spell and visited with neighbors and old friends. Many even answered the call to have a second dish of ice cream.
David and Joyce Esser brought us back to the 19th century with their hand-cranked ice cream freezer and let kids of all ages give the crank a turn. Many found the job harder then they expected. The 20th century electric version was churning away in the background, doing the job, but was not nearly as much fun. The freezing process took about an hour, and the rich chocolate ice cream was a treat worth waiting for.
Keith Leinbach from Air Products and Chemicals made the 21st century version. Leinbach, wearing long sleeves and gloves, mixed the ingredients in a bowl. Liquid nitrogen was then poured directly into it while an assistant stirred. The liquid nitrogen creates a billowing fog effect, and the ice cream was frozen in minutes. They served Cookies and Cream and Orange Creamsicle.
Local groups provided background music. Master of Ceremony Keith Brintzenhoff sang Pennsylvania Dutch melodies while playing his autoharp.
Olivia Sica, a sophomore at Kutztown High School, played her ukulele and sang folk songs.
Reading Pagoda Chorus, a group of 16 women, sang in an amazing four-part harmony.
A trio of young women from Kutztown High School Show Choir performed together. They were Kathryn Brooks and Rachael Williamson, 2015 graduates, and Margaret Brooks, a junior.
Performing as the Centenni”Belles” were Karen Quillman, retired teacher, Diane Fegely, retired university administrator, and accompanist Greta Ertel, church organist. All have been members of the Kutztown Community Choir for many years. The “Belles” chose music reminiscent of the era of Ice Cream Socials and ended with a heartfelt “Happy Birthday to Kutztown.”
The Kutztown Area Historical Society had its museum open for the event. Many stepped inside this Victorian treasure to see the special Bicentennial exhibit created for the celebration. Costumes worn by groups during the Sesquicentennial and Kutztown memorabilia were part of the displays.
By the time twilight arrived, more than 1,100 bowls of ice cream had been served. Martha Johnson and Janet Yost, co-chairs of the social, and committee members Rita Robertson, Nancy Hildenbrand and Roxanne Moyer were pleased with the evening. They even found some time to enjoy a bowl of ice cream.
